tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17185191136039611692015-07-13T10:18:26.895-04:00Gallery No. EightA curated collection of design, art, beauty, Etsy finds &amp; other lovely things.Britt Douglasnoreply@blogger.comBlogger773125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-72202297448388209892015-07-01T06:00:00.000-04:002015-07-01T06:00:01.088-04:00Nailed It: Canada Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RL7mZcAcdLM/VY4Ahosw2HI/AAAAAAAAFK0/5N2gixO78ZU/s1600/canadanails%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RL7mZcAcdLM/VY4Ahosw2HI/AAAAAAAAFK0/5N2gixO78ZU/s640/canadanails%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPY5aOWZjoI/VY4AheHA3uI/AAAAAAAAFKw/lvBBgQOwQuU/s1600/canadanails%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPY5aOWZjoI/VY4AheHA3uI/AAAAAAAAFKw/lvBBgQOwQuU/s640/canadanails%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3PIOBnBOOc/VY4Ahk9JrpI/AAAAAAAAFK4/Cja6PrLStdI/s1600/canadanails%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3PIOBnBOOc/VY4Ahk9JrpI/AAAAAAAAFK4/Cja6PrLStdI/s640/canadanails%2B3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuU6lbPaQME/VY4AirYk3FI/AAAAAAAAFLA/Lm_m-5ng-Jg/s1600/canadanails%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuU6lbPaQME/VY4AirYk3FI/AAAAAAAAFLA/Lm_m-5ng-Jg/s640/canadanails%2B4.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />HAPPY CANADA DAY!<br /><br />Had to schedule this post before I left this week to make sure I could celebrate with all my fellow Canucks today :) If you've got any fun celebrations or firework shows to attend tonight, this mani would be perfect!<br /><br />I used Julep Karissa (red), Julep Brigitte (white), Julep Hartleigh (chunky glitter on thumb) and China Glaze Fairy Dust on the thumb &amp; two white nails (under the maple leafs) to add some holographic glitter. I let everything dry, and then freehanded the maple leafs with acrylic paint, which is a little more forgiving in the clean-up area when painted over dry nail polish. Topped with a clear top coat, the acrylic paint lasted as long as the rest of my mani (almost a full week!) so I will definitely be using that trick again ;)<br /><br />Hope everyone celebrating this week has an awesome time!<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-15651911894776254132015-06-27T08:00:00.000-04:002015-06-27T08:00:06.616-04:00Weekend Reading<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/4PU_0jDLeT/?taken-by=brittdouglas_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/11378385_705911632854282_1426022553_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://instagram.com/brittdouglas_/">@brittdouglas_</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table>I always keep bookmarks or tabs open for posts or things I want to share here, and since it's been a while, the list is a little long today haha but isn't that what weekend reading is for? ;) Here's to crossing things off our to-do lists and having a beautiful weekend!<br /><br /><hr /><br />Think you're good with colours? Try this <a href="http://kuku-kube.com/">mildly addicting game</a> that will test that fact.<br /><br />Just a wee bit obsessed with these r<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SweetEscapeDesign?section_id=16115292&amp;ref=shopsection_leftnav_3">epurposed vintage plates</a> from Melissa of The Sweet Escape.<br /><br />Something you may not know about me? I'm a huge fan of the Fast &amp; Furious franchise - no really! There is a bit of a back story there, but needless to say, I saw &amp; loved the latest instalment - and <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/the-simple-joy-and-sincere-wonder-of-furious-7?intcid=mod-yml">I wasn't the only one</a>.<br /><br />Is your to-do list full of should-do's? Then this essay on the <a href="https://medium.com/@elleluna/the-crossroads-of-should-and-must-90c75eb7c5b0">crossroads of should &amp; must</a> is for you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/gettin-your-act-together#.heyQqBXJV">23 photos that sum up trying to get your life together</a>. #accurate<br /><br />We live in a <a href="https://maptia.com/amoschapple/stories/earth-from-above">beautiful world</a>.<br /><br />I'm already a big believer in the power of quiet, but I loved Grace's post on <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2015/06/finding-your-quiet-listening-to-what-really-matters.html">listening to what really matters</a>.<br /><br />Thoughts on <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2015/06/why-im-purposely-selfish-on-instagram.html#more-41361">being selfish on Instagram</a>&nbsp;- some really good thoughts on what we share &amp; the reality behind it.<br /><br />Creative business owner? Here's <a href="http://noirve.com/tools-for-creatives-programs-to-run-your-biz/">some tools</a> to help you work better.<br /><br />In case you missed it, <a href="http://www.annawithlove.com/">Anna's blog got a makeover</a> &amp; looks so stinkin' good! I seriously get to work with some of the best people.<br /><br />"<i>This quiet revolution is unavoidable, really, because we humans have a strange and predictable relationship with innovation.</i>" - Kevan Kaiser on being <a href="http://www.kevinkaiser.co/internet/">in the internet, but not of it</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Ever wondered what your pet does when you leave the house? I'm pretty sure Winnie sleeps all day, but oh man, I got a good laugh at <a href="http://variety.com/2015/film/news/trailer-secret-life-of-pets-1201522220/">this trailer</a> for 'The Secret Life of Pets".</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/can-reading-make-you-happier">Can reading make you happier</a>?</div><div><br /></div><div>Social media does have it's uses, and <a href="http://www.levo.com/articles/career-advice/how-to-get-a-job-through-social-media">getting hired</a> may be one of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Feeling stuck? Here's some thoughts on <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/06/how-you-can-do-a-reset-in-the-middle-of-the-year-junes-the-new-january/">hitting the reset button</a> and turning June into January.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only<a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2015/01/best-lemon-loaf-better-starbucks-copycat.html"> lemon loaf recipe </a>you'll ever need. Promise ;)<br /><br />xo</div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-78022794291204980092015-06-10T16:19:00.000-04:002015-06-10T16:19:09.694-04:00The Never Ending Gallery Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I've been working to finish off my <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/neverendinggallerywall/">gallery wall</a>, it hasn't been feeling quite 'right'. It needed something and I just couldn't place my finger on what it was.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've shared my original gallery wall on here several times (most recently <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2015/01/the-story-of-gallery-wall.html">here</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2015/03/buying-curating-art.html">here</a>) and I'm still totally in love with it. So stumbling with this 'expansion', if you will, left me feeling a bit unsure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-queaUcrPtgU/VXiQvrAEnSI/AAAAAAAAFKM/uN6y5cByqo0/s1600/G8%2Bminted%2Bwall%2Bart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-queaUcrPtgU/VXiQvrAEnSI/AAAAAAAAFKM/uN6y5cByqo0/s640/G8%2Bminted%2Bwall%2Bart.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've worked with <a href="http://www.minted.com/">minted</a> a few times, so when they reached out to help me with my art problem, I realized this was the perfect chance to get out of my rut. You can see a bit of my plan above (to scale! With door, sconce, light switch &amp; baseboards haha) and I love the idea of creating the wall around one or two 'big' pieces. That beauty front &amp; centre is over 30"x30" and will be the perfect focal point. Everything else is a mix of prints I already own, prints I'm planning to buy (I really could do a whole wall of gorgeous <a href="http://www.annawithloveshop.com/">photos from Paris by Anna</a> :) and a few from minted too. I love the mix of old, new, and personal touches, with a dash of quirky thrown in!<br /><br />You know I'll be posting on <a href="https://instagram.com/brittdouglas_/">Instagram</a> the second I get everything hung up, but until then, you can explore all my gallery wall shenanigans on Instagram with the hashtags <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/gallerywallfordays/">#gallerywallfordays </a>&amp; <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/neverendinggallerywall/">#neverendinggallerywall</a><br /><br />Ps, if you love that '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/212645370/done-is-better-than-perfect-hand?ref=shop_home_active_5">Done is Better Than Perfect</a>' print I own, make sure you <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2015/06/artist-feature-kelsey-of-pinegate-road.html">enter to win</a> one for yourself! The <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2015/06/artist-feature-kelsey-of-pinegate-road.html">giveaway</a> ends tonight!<br /><br />xo<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: minted is providing me with the art to complete this project, but all thoughts, opinions &amp; ambitious gallery wall ideas are my own ;)</span></i></div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-31780699730783789722015-06-04T08:01:00.000-04:002015-06-04T08:01:09.970-04:00Artist Feature: Kelsey of Pinegate Road (+ Giveaway!)Good morning!<br /><br />Six months ago, Kelsey opened her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Pinegateroad">shop</a> and I was instantly smitten. Beautiful calligraphy, unique quality, gorgeous materials - I mean, how could anyone not be? You may even have seen evidence of my love on Instagram - <a href="https://instagram.com/p/v3UN5yjLZj/">here</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/p/wgoNhwDLc6/">here</a> &amp; <a href="https://instagram.com/p/3Q_SGpjLS0/">here</a> - so clearly it's for real ;)<br /><br />I was so excited when Kelsey agreed to an interview. Her work is gorgeous and the story behind Pinegate Road is beautiful - I know you'll love it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinegateroad.com/"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeJxqAfUy60/VW84sBY7ASI/AAAAAAAAFH0/b6_C1dfBDD4/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-03%2Bat%2B1.24.27%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><i>What inspired you to open your shop?</i><br />I've always dreamed of creating my own products. Working with my hands has always come naturally and is something that I love doing. As I started going down the rabbit hole of working on Pinegate Road, there were several mantras that I came back to time and time again that helped me along my personal creative journey. Taking my love for hand-lettering, my need for a hand-made project, and the thought of creating products inspired me to create these prints.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/045/0/10314326/il_570xN.688164864_1bgx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/045/0/10314326/il_570xN.688164864_1bgx.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i>Where did the name 'Pinegate Road' come from?</i><br />I really need to get on adding this to my about page ;) Pinegate Road is the road where I had my first 'home.' Growing up, I moved around a lot. By the time I was 9, I had lived in 5 states and 6 cities. Around this same time, my mom found out she had cancer. It was a huge shock to my parents, and this had them evaluate where they were at in life and what dreams they wanted to live out. My mom always wanted to raise her kids back in her hometown on Lake Erie, and my dad had always wanted to run his own business. My parents, my brother, and I moved up to Pennsylvania where my mom successfully beat cancer, and my dad started a thriving business. Pinegate Road is where our start as a family came to be, and my Pinegate Road is where I started coming to be as a designer. Pinegate Road hold such sentiment to me, and I love that it's a symbol of new beginnings and following life-long dreams.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/045/0/10314326/il_570xN.688219713_5txp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/045/0/10314326/il_570xN.688219713_5txp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/212634585/be-brazen-hand-lettered-woodblock?ref=shop_home_active_2">Be Brazen</a>'</td></tr></tbody></table><i>What drew you to your chosen mediums of lettering &amp; stamping for your prints?</i><br />I wanted to create something that was unique and that had a hand-made element to it. Both my day job and Pinegate Road have me working very digitally, and reconnecting with physical processes was something that was important to me when starting this side project. At the same time, I needed something that was easy enough to duplicate. I studied block printing a bit in undergrad, and knew that a mix of stamping and block printing would give me a unique result that I could replicate for prints.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/048/0/10314326/il_570xN.696181831_43kq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/048/0/10314326/il_570xN.696181831_43kq.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/212641104/make-a-mess-hand-lettered-woodblock?ref=shop_home_active_1">Make A Mess</a>'</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Is there a cool back-story behind one of your prints?</i><br />I didn't expect these to turn in to a shop! Last summer I was asked to come to the Weapons of Mass Creation fest here in Cleveland as a featured artist. As part of the arrangement, I was to submit three posters to their gallery show to be on display. I could have used old work, but I treated this as a new project and went to work brainstorming. Creative process is always on my mind, so creating helpful ways to work through process in the form of mantras was what I became drawn to. On three of the prints, you'll see that they have 'the ticket project' written on them. My idea here was that these would each serve as a person 'golden ticket' to going for your dreams. I'm not sure how much I love that this is on there now, but hey, it's the creative process and I can always adjust later!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/051/0/10314326/il_570xN.688162892_5ex7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/051/0/10314326/il_570xN.688162892_5ex7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/212645370/done-is-better-than-perfect-hand?ref=shop_home_active_5">Done is Better Than Perfect</a>'</td></tr></tbody></table><i>What is your favourite item in your store?&nbsp;</i><br />'<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/212645370/done-is-better-than-perfect-hand?ref=shop_home_active_5">done is better than perfect</a>' for sure. I love the way it fits on the page for a print, and it is something I constantly have to remind myself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/057/0/10314326/il_570xN.688156120_nygc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/057/0/10314326/il_570xN.688156120_nygc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i>What's next for you and/or your shop? Where do you see your shop heading?&nbsp;</i><br />For now, I'm taking a little break. I'll still be selling the prints that I have, but I'm focusing on bigger business plans and goals for Pinegate Road as a whole. I'm hoping to fit a month-long free span from side work this summer to brainstorm next steps. One thing I have been thinking about is selling downloads of black and white large format prints that you could then get printed yourself through a drafting printer on the cheap. I love working large scale, and this would be a feasible way for me to provide that to the world without having to manage the shipping. We will see :)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/052/0/10314326/il_570xN.696060206_p42d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/052/0/10314326/il_570xN.696060206_p42d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/212642882/the-first-step-to-getting-ahead-is?ref=shop_home_active_4">The First Step</a>'</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Any tips for aspiring calligraphers and/or print shop owners?</i><br />Practice, practice, practice, and don't be afraid of not being perfect right off the bat! I feel so many people are paralyzed by things not being 'good enough' or perfect enough that they never start. Start with baby steps, and don't be afraid of the journey. You have no idea where you'll end up, and that's part of the fun!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">********</div><div style="text-align: left;">So lovely right? And AMEN to just starting and learning and figuring it out as you go - story of my life ;)<br /><br />I mean, I knew Kelsey was awesome since we've become 'instagram friends', but this interview was one of my favourites. Thankyou so much Kelsey!!<br /><br />GIVEAWAY time!! Kelsey has offered one of you the chance to win any print in her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Pinegateroad">shop</a>! Enter through the Rafflecopter widget below. <i>(or <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8cd262d11/">click here</a> if it doesn't show up)</i><br /><br /></div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="f8cd262d11" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8cd262d11/" id="rcwidget_d3e8uqrj" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Be sure to check out Kelsey's <a href="http://www.pinegateroad.com/blog/">blog</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinegateroad">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pinegateroad">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pinegateroad">Facebook</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.instagram.com/pinegateroad">Instagram</a> for more gorgeous peeks into her work &amp; life (she has the cutest puppy!)&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">xo</div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-55308000299799247932015-05-26T09:33:00.000-04:002015-05-26T09:33:44.916-04:00Herb Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the past three summers, I have grown a little herb garden. What started as a lone mint plant back in 2012 has ended up growing into a whole little collection!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfrnTKPhFDE/VWPTKJAeuNI/AAAAAAAAFF0/HyiyAbMWNLs/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfrnTKPhFDE/VWPTKJAeuNI/AAAAAAAAFF0/HyiyAbMWNLs/s640/G8%2Bherbs%2B3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This year there's chive, sweet basil, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, mint &amp; parsley. The mint &amp; parsley have their own bigger container since they can grow a bit wild ;)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cwd6TG4vdMo/VWPUg9qgGBI/AAAAAAAAFG8/dtIWxRHegRA/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B2.1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cwd6TG4vdMo/VWPUg9qgGBI/AAAAAAAAFG8/dtIWxRHegRA/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B2.1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bShVi7pJ3f8/VWPTLZkVMVI/AAAAAAAAFGI/t3zwdLiJw2o/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bShVi7pJ3f8/VWPTLZkVMVI/AAAAAAAAFGI/t3zwdLiJw2o/s640/G8%2Bherbs%2B4.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gloves are a must when dealing with nails <i><a href="https://instagram.com/p/20xffOjLXv/?taken-by=brittdouglas_">like these</a> </i>haha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvvPuGRx9Ys/VWPTJ_j6H9I/AAAAAAAAFF4/i_eGRZNzhfA/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvvPuGRx9Ys/VWPTJ_j6H9I/AAAAAAAAFF4/i_eGRZNzhfA/s640/G8%2Bherbs%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuZzV0LDYZk/VWPTL8a-jTI/AAAAAAAAFGM/z6jgOBN9GkQ/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuZzV0LDYZk/VWPTL8a-jTI/AAAAAAAAFGM/z6jgOBN9GkQ/s640/G8%2Bherbs%2B5.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFFPcchNAwo/VWPTNOdO2XI/AAAAAAAAFGc/LTBckS18rI0/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFFPcchNAwo/VWPTNOdO2XI/AAAAAAAAFGc/LTBckS18rI0/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B9.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzvocZTOO_0/VWPTL9bCwII/AAAAAAAAFGQ/v8eDxWr6TNs/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzvocZTOO_0/VWPTL9bCwII/AAAAAAAAFGQ/v8eDxWr6TNs/s640/G8%2Bherbs%2B6.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Isn't this blue container just the sweetest? I picked it up in HomeSense a few weeks ago, knowing my annual herb garden would be starting again soon. Love the blue with the gorgeous green of the herbs!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-4q8xxuxDk/VWPTMo-nWGI/AAAAAAAAFGY/tjVTIApxRro/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-4q8xxuxDk/VWPTMo-nWGI/AAAAAAAAFGY/tjVTIApxRro/s640/G8%2Bherbs%2B7.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRAUmAuor7g/VWPTNA0FMBI/AAAAAAAAFGg/mPws6bJUQ0Y/s1600/G8%2Bherbs%2B8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRAUmAuor7g/VWPTNA0FMBI/AAAAAAAAFGg/mPws6bJUQ0Y/s640/G8%2Bherbs%2B8.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />The <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Garden-Tools-Gardening-Tools-Gardening-Gloves/N-5yc1vZc5r1Z25ecod">gloves</a> &amp; the little <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Garden-Tools-Gardening-Tools-Garden-Trowels/N-5yc1vZc5qw">trowel</a> both came from the Home Depot. I have to admit I love the measurements on the trowel, and that the gloves have velcro around the wrists to keep the dirt out. Good tools make the job so much easier!<br /><br />What are your favourite herbs to plant &amp; use? Tarragon is new to me this year and apparently it produces edible flowers?! You know I picked it up for that alone haha<br /><br />xo<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Past herb gardens: <a href="https://instagram.com/p/OMPWM7DLYW/">2012</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/p/ZeD2enjLXT/">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/05/may-garden.html">2014</a></i></div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-66773969687565773092015-05-15T13:47:00.000-04:002015-05-15T13:49:07.573-04:00Nailed It: Galaxy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzdt_SrY_Gk/VVYVOQ94-_I/AAAAAAAAFFQ/kuEkwVFwlt8/s1600/galaxynails.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzdt_SrY_Gk/VVYVOQ94-_I/AAAAAAAAFFQ/kuEkwVFwlt8/s640/galaxynails.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3J0jU1jeGyU/VVYVNQoy4PI/AAAAAAAAFFE/nbj6eqGfOrU/s1600/galaxynails%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3J0jU1jeGyU/VVYVNQoy4PI/AAAAAAAAFFE/nbj6eqGfOrU/s640/galaxynails%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxRq9KnImFA/VVYVNR_eR4I/AAAAAAAAFFI/eRvfZBxY7Iw/s1600/galaxynails%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="853" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxRq9KnImFA/VVYVNR_eR4I/AAAAAAAAFFI/eRvfZBxY7Iw/s640/galaxynails%2B3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IACQrPzGZfE/VVYVNRlSPhI/AAAAAAAAFFA/9CGk2T8MU9M/s1600/galaxynails%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IACQrPzGZfE/VVYVNRlSPhI/AAAAAAAAFFA/9CGk2T8MU9M/s640/galaxynails%2B4.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=galaxy%20nails">Galaxy nails </a>were something (like marbled nails!) that I've always been intrigued with, but never tried before. I had an event last weekend that necessitated something special with my nails, so I decided to finally bust out a sponge and try this out.<br /><br />I used Marc Jacobs<a href="http://www.sephora.com/enamored-hi-shine-nail-lacquer-P380707?skuId=1632330"> New Wave</a> as a base (any good navy would work), and then let it dry a little before sponging on the other colours. I had an old craft sponge (similar to the smallest one in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.michaels.com/folkart-accessories-spouncer-stenciling-sponges-variety/10220308.html#q=sponge&amp;start=2">this set</a>) that I used to lightly layer the 'galaxy' colours. &nbsp;Julep <a href="http://www.julep.com/margit-it-girl.html">Margit</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.julep.com/paulette-boho-glam.html">Paulette</a> both have a shimmer than I thought would work well and add dimension, while Butter London <a href="http://www.butterlondon.com/Lacquers/Diamond-Geezer.html">Diamond Geezer</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.butterlondon.com/Lacquers/Tart-With-A-Heart.html">Tart With a Heart</a>&nbsp;added some foil &amp; holographic glitter (like little twinkling stars ;). Chanel <a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=chanel+taboo&amp;espv=2&amp;biw=1793&amp;bih=915&amp;source=lnms&amp;tbm=isch&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=XRZWVf3TBY21yATay4PAAg&amp;ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ">Taboo</a>&nbsp;has a 'galaxy' feel all on it's own so I knew it would be great to add in, and finally Essie's <a href="http://www.essie.com/Effects/luxeffects/rock-at-the-top.aspx">Rock at the Top</a>&nbsp;for just a few golden sparkles. What I love about this though is you can use what you already have! Blue, purple, silver, gold - anything in that combo would work well for this. Isn't that the best kind of nail art? ;)<br /><br />xo<br /><br />ps, I've teamed up with some awesome ladies to host a <a href="https://instagram.com/p/2qvJ7cDLVO/?taken-by=brittdouglas_">GIVEAWAY</a> on Instagram! There's a print from me, a $200 Anthropologie gift card, and a whole bunch more stuff for you to win! You can find all the details &amp; how to enter <i><a href="https://instagram.com/p/2qvJ7cDLVO/?taken-by=brittdouglas_">right here</a></i> :)Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-28882242089574534152015-04-24T12:02:00.000-04:002015-04-24T12:02:11.993-04:00Liquid Liner Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3YQUbOQ1-A/VTpVou1ISBI/AAAAAAAAE8M/qKhJyOSteic/s1600/liquidliners.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3YQUbOQ1-A/VTpVou1ISBI/AAAAAAAAE8M/qKhJyOSteic/s1600/liquidliners.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTrVyUDPPrQ/VTpVomob2cI/AAAAAAAAE8I/UjlOTPPuB-Y/s1600/liquidliner%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTrVyUDPPrQ/VTpVomob2cI/AAAAAAAAE8I/UjlOTPPuB-Y/s1600/liquidliner%2B2.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's no secret that I love a good cat-eye liner. And over the years, I've used lots of different products to achieve the look. Between gifts from friends &amp; Sephora bonuses, I've amassed quite a few and thought I would share my favourites, why I love them, and which ones I think can be skipped.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lorealparis.ca/cosmetics/eyes/linear-intense-felt-tip-liquid-eyeliner/carbon-black.aspx">L'Oréal Paris Lineur Intense Felt Tip</a>&nbsp;- 5/5<div>I've gone through about 3 tubes of this stuff. It's super black, the felt-tip is great, it lasts all day, and the price point is fantastic. This is the one I reach for when I need a quick, no fuss liner. It glides so beautifully and will always be a staple for me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.revlon.com/products/eyes/eyeliner/revlon-colorstay-liquid-eye-pen#309976382012||0">Revlon Colorstay™ Liquid Eye Pen</a>&nbsp;- 2/5</div><div>I'll call this a 'marker' style tip to differentiate it from the felt tips. (The tip is 'drier', and more like a marker than a true liquid liner.) It worked well, but I found it faded to a more grey shade that I didn't like.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.julep.com/fluid-eye-glider.html">Julep Fluid Eye Glider</a>&nbsp;- 4/5</div><div>This has more a 'marker' style tip as well, but it's much smaller and the colour is a deep black. It also lasts <i>all</i> day - even my coconut oil makeup remover sometimes has difficulty with it. I love this one for it's precision; it might take a bit longer to apply because it doesn't 'glide' well - 'stamping' works better with this one - but I know it won't budge at all.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/theyre-real-push-up-liner">Benefit They're Real! Push-up Eyeliner</a>&nbsp;- 4/5</div><div>Unlike any other liner I've tried, Benefit created a gel liner with a built in application system. I do like it, but you have to have enough product on the tip for it to apply well, but not too much or else it clumps and falls off. It takes a bit of practice, but the results are worth it.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.lancome.ca/Artliner/12230,default,pd.html">Lancôme Artliner</a>&nbsp;- 3/5</div><div>Truthfully? This is practically identical to the Lineur Intense from&nbsp;L'Oréal; they are sister companies after all. The gold on the packaging is lovely of course, but I found the colour of this one wasn't quite as black as I would have liked.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.sephora.com/tattoo-liner-P245205">Kat Von D Tattoo Liner</a>&nbsp;- 5/5</div><div>This &amp; the Stila one below were from the Sephora liner favourites kit released around Christmas. (Great kit by the way!) I'd been wanting to try this out after hearing a lot of hype about the 'brush' tip and I'm so pleased to say I was not disappointed! The colour, the tip (it really is a little brush), the ease - SO good. Probably my all-time favourite on this list.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/stay-all-day-waterproof-liquid-eye-liner.do">Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner</a>&nbsp;- 4/5</div><div>If you're looking for a liner that will not budge one millimetre, then this is for you. I have it in the dark brown shade, which is a nice change some days from the black. The colour is great, the marker tip works really well and there's no fading or patchiness as the day goes on. You definitely will need a great make-up remover to get this off (even coconut oil struggles with it) but that's a small price for a liner that doesn't give up.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Is there a favourite out there that I've missed? A classic I need to try? Let me know :)</div><div><br />xo</div></div></div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-31875679267140057102015-04-16T07:00:00.000-04:002015-04-16T07:00:06.978-04:00Artist Feature: Melissa of Sweet Water DecorSpring is finally blooming here and I am so excited! There's buds on the trees, flowers are starting to bloom &amp; the cold days of winter seem to finally be over. Today's artist feature is full of florals &amp; whimsical design - a perfect compliment to this time of year :)<br /><br />Melissa reached out to me about her shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/sweetwaterdecor">Sweet Water Decor,</a> and I knew it was a perfect fit the moment I opened her shop. It is full of my favourite fonts, happy prints &amp; cheeky mugs. She was even sweet enough to offer a discount that you can find at the bottom of the post, so read on!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/sweetwaterdecor"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/050/0/10385964/iusb_760x100.15072490_lsn7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i>What inspired you to open your shop?</i><br />I got engaged in September and was going through all of my stuff and actually decided to open my shop to sell my acrylic paintings. From there I started adding art prints, save the dates, wedding invitations, mugs + stamps! Searching for my own save-the-dates on Etsy, I started looking around and thought, I could definitely design these myself! I took photoshop classes in high school and have a natural talent for art. When I was younger I wanted to be a designer. I combined that with my merchandising background - being a buyer for a major retailer, and voila! My shop was born. I imagine brides like me shopping at my shop. The girls that love a little bit of glamour mixed with shabby chic with a modern twist. I love getting inspiration and use my fashion background to come up with some of my ideas for the shop. I just opened my second Etsy stop - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/stampslux">Stamps Lux</a> - where I sell stamps exclusively.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/054/0/10385964/il_fullxfull.743683507_jrzu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/054/0/10385964/il_fullxfull.743683507_jrzu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/220927851/mr-and-mrs-mugs-calligraphy-style-mug">Mr &amp; Mrs Mugs</a></td></tr></tbody></table><i>What is the process of creation like?</i><br />I first get inspiration, either while walking in my beautiful small town, Starbucks coffee in hand... to washing dishes...ideas come to me. I even have these little notebooks that I carry with me or are by my bedside that I jot design ideas as I get them before I go to bed. From my idea I create it in photoshop and bring it to live. I love it when I see my own designs on paper or on my mugs instead of just in a picture. We print all of our mugs, and it's so exciting to see a final product! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/057/0/10385964/il_fullxfull.742284601_ebk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/057/0/10385964/il_fullxfull.742284601_ebk3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/223559254/printable-wedding-invitation-navy?ref=shop_home_active_15">Ashleigh Suite - Printable Wedding Invitations</a></td></tr></tbody></table><i>Your work features some gorgeous typefaces, do you have any favourites currently?</i><br />I use a lot of Carolyna Pro - it's perfect for weddings! But I've fallen in love with Jacques &amp; Gilles and even used them for my own invitations! Emily Lime creates such beautiful fonts - I'm pretty sure she's my best friend I never met.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/060/1/10385964/il_fullxfull.710614526_lpyt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/060/1/10385964/il_fullxfull.710614526_lpyt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/218229295/coffee-mug-strong-beautiful-brave">Strong Beautiful Brave Mug</a><br /><i>also available as a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/218237238/printable-quote-art-strong-beautiful">print</a>!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><i>Is there a cool back-story behind one of your prints or other products?</i><br />My strong, brave, beautiful, courageous mug and print is one of my absolute favorites. It came to me while washing dishes honestly! I pictured in my mind the woman my mom raised me to be - strong, brave, beautiful &amp; courageous. I added an arrow as well to top it off! Each word has a different font, really bringing out what I hope to inspire other women to be. It was so great to hear from one of my customers, she bought this mug for herself and one for her friend. She wanted to thank me as she was going through fertility treatments and her friend was going through cancer. I hope to touch all of my customers and it really makes me know that God has put me where he wants me - designing &amp; making beautiful works to share with &amp; inspire others.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/064/0/10385964/il_fullxfull.752558423_m2mz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/064/0/10385964/il_fullxfull.752558423_m2mz.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/215780124/printable-quote-hello-sunshine-quote">Hello Sunshine Print</a></td></tr></tbody></table><i>What is your favourite item in your store?</i><br />I have so many, but if I had to pick...<br />My favorite mug is our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/220927851/mr-and-mrs-mugs-calligraphy-style-mug">Mr. &amp; Mrs.</a>&nbsp;mugs. My favorite print is my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/215780124/printable-quote-hello-sunshine-quote">Hello Sunshine</a>&nbsp;print.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/057/1/10385964/il_fullxfull.709453465_3gbt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/057/1/10385964/il_fullxfull.709453465_3gbt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/217168342/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god-psalm?ref=shop_home_active_3">Be Still &amp; Know Print</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">********</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Melissa was sweet enough to offer you all 20% off her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/sweetwaterdecor?section_id=16605821&amp;ref=shopsection_leftnav_6">mugs</a> with the code 'MUG20'. She has some seriously cute mugs - I was tempted by more than a few haha</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can find Sweet Water Decor on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Water-Decor/948067138537092">Facebook</a> &amp; <a href="https://instagram.com/sweetwaterdecor/">Instagram</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-41635659412351978552015-03-20T17:00:00.000-04:002015-03-20T17:00:02.299-04:00Weekend Reading<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/11007772_485291291620037_1521161253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/11007772_485291291620037_1521161253_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From <a href="https://instagram.com/brittdouglas_/">Instagram</a> this week...</i></td></tr></tbody></table>It's officially the first day of spring!!! Oh to know that winter is coming to an end; it happens every year I know, but every year feels new when you've been buried by snow for far too long. I can't wait to see little buds on the trees, smell fresh cut grass, plant my herb garden &amp; delight in those long summer days. Until then, some reading to keep us distracted while the snow melts :)<br /><br /><hr /><br />"<i>What if we saw attention in the same way that we saw air or water, as a valuable resource that we hold in common? Perhaps, if we could envision an “attentional commons,” then we could figure out how to protect it.</i>" - <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/08/opinion/sunday/the-cost-of-paying-attention.html?fb_ref=Default&amp;_r=1">The Cost of Paying Attention</a><br /><br />"<i>But where is the line between just the right amount of beauty and inspiration and what we deem as too much or too showy? ... what is “too” much? And who decides what’s “normal”? Here’s what I think: There is no normal and there is no perfect.</i>" - <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2015/03/negativityonline.html">Negativity Online</a><br /><br />"<i>In art, this is very important. Art is where associations are made. Art is where we form the narratives of our identity.</i>" - <a href="https://thenib.com/lighten-up-4f7f96ca8a7e">Lighten Up</a><br /><br />"<i>After working through my utter shame over being a totally judgmental zit up in my head, I ran headlong into relationship with them and kept coming back, week after week.</i>" - <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/03/what-to-do-when-women-seem-scary/">What to Do When Women Seem Scary</a><br /><div><br /></div>"<i>Because no one is providing me with a list of priorities, a number of hours, or a pay rate, I have to embark on that road of trial and error.</i>" - <a href="http://www.theblogmarket.co/weekly-resources-for-freelancers/">Resources for Freelancers</a><br /><br />"<i>...time is power. As trite as it sounds, but the way we live our days, what we do at 10 am, at 3 pm, how the evening flows, like habits, it really is the way we live our lives.</i>" - <a href="http://www.gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2015/03/the-way-we-live-our-days-what-we-do-at-10-a-m-really-is-the-way-we-live-our-lives/">The Way We Live Our Days</a><br /><br /><hr /><br /><div>xo</div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-24704404111625991702015-03-17T19:33:00.000-04:002015-03-17T19:33:30.671-04:00Nailed It: Lucky Clover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZbEGWgVMgU/VQi3XiCj2BI/AAAAAAAAE3U/31NyDFb--tA/s1600/stpatricksnails%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZbEGWgVMgU/VQi3XiCj2BI/AAAAAAAAE3U/31NyDFb--tA/s1600/stpatricksnails%2B2.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I shared a little <a href="https://instagram.com/p/0GgG-0DLc-/?taken-by=brittdouglas_">sneak peek of these</a> on Instagram last week, and while my clovers looked a little more floral, I still loved the colour combo of these festive nails :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used Julep <a href="http://www.julep.com/briana-boho-glam.html">Briana</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.julep.com/kam.html">Kam</a>, Sally Hansen <a href="http://www.sallyhansen.com/nails/nail-color/color/hard-nails-xtreme-wear%C2%AE">Green with Envy</a>, &amp; Essie <a href="http://www.essie.com/Effects/luxeffects.aspx">Rock at the Top</a>. I also used the<a href="http://www.julep.com/plie-wand-nail-polishing-system.html"> Julep Plie Wand</a> &amp; dotting tool to help with the dots!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jX-sCF9Pjw8/VQi3XdEBLhI/AAAAAAAAE3M/SGcJdNPPd74/s1600/stpatricksnails%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jX-sCF9Pjw8/VQi3XdEBLhI/AAAAAAAAE3M/SGcJdNPPd74/s1600/stpatricksnails%2B1.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the clovers, I created 4 sets of 2 dots around an imaginary 'square' shape on my nails, and then put a little more polish in the middle of the dots to join them together. Hopefully the photo below will help illustrate a bit better!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBioSFdISnI/VQi3XpfpkhI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/bvcPM-Py-8w/s1600/stpatricksnails%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WBioSFdISnI/VQi3XpfpkhI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/bvcPM-Py-8w/s1600/stpatricksnails%2B3.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97pjwxt5HHQ/VQi3Zmx_dZI/AAAAAAAAE3k/Ub9qF3xlQZQ/s1600/stpatricksnails%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97pjwxt5HHQ/VQi3Zmx_dZI/AAAAAAAAE3k/Ub9qF3xlQZQ/s1600/stpatricksnails%2B4.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And my not so clover-like clovers ;) haha</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hope you had a lucky day!<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-42276889552351567382015-03-12T09:43:00.000-04:002015-03-12T09:43:25.521-04:00Buying & Curating ArtA few weeks ago, I posted the 'story' of <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2015/01/the-story-of-gallery-wall.html">my gallery wall</a>. This wall has grown quite a bit since it started, and my philosophy is to always buy art that I love. If something doesn't 'speak' to me, it doesn't make the cut - otherwise I'd have enough art to fill this wall 10 times over ;)<br /><br />I also love supporting creatives &amp; small businesses, so that's where pretty much all of my art has come from. These shops are full of SO much talent - too much talent to keep hidden - so I'm sharing where all my art has come from over the years. Some pieces are no longer available, but maybe you'll find something you love even more!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="nopin" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBFUIQ_gKas/VL_0cR0jZEI/AAAAAAAAEww/9_xyvUcblnA/s1600/gallerystory6.png" onmouseout="this.src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBFUIQ_gKas/VL_0cR0jZEI/AAAAAAAAEww/9_xyvUcblnA/s1600/gallerystory6.png'" onmouseover="this.src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMAVM8tIMrQ/VME3tM5CwUI/AAAAAAAAExM/JaUO6QpT_Mo/s1600/galleryfull%2B2.png'" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>hover over the photo to see the corresponding numbers</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/180159233/31-rue-chanel-paris-street-scene">31 Rue Chanel</a>' - Leigh Viner</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. my own photo</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keys - <a href="http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-MichaelsCanada-Site/default/Home-Show">Michael's</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. '<a href="http://charmandgumption.com/collections/gold-foil-prints/products/gold-foil-be-brave-print">Be Brave</a>' - Charm &amp; Gumption</div><div style="text-align: center;">4.&nbsp;'Dans Mon Reve de Paris' - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/EyePoetryPhotography">Eye Poetry Photography</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">5. my own photo</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/62338478/the-royal-mile-5-x-7?ref=shop_home_active_17">The Royal Mile</a>' - artquirk</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/217102537/twilight-blue-fashion-illustration-art">Twilight Blue</a>' - Leigh Viner</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. 'Weeping Cherry' - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SunnyLeeStudio?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Sunny Lee Studio</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">9. <a href="http://shop.balzacs.com/products/vintage-poster-note-card-set">Balzac's Coffee</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">10. my own painting</div><div style="text-align: center;">11. my own painting</div><div style="text-align: center;">12. '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/207097600/silence-and-noise-paris-photography">Silence &amp; Noise</a>' - Leigh Viner</div><div style="text-align: center;">13. '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/95075803/paolo-roversi-series-1-fashion-portrait">Paolo Roversi Series 1</a>' - Leigh Viner</div><div style="text-align: center;">14. '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/103676660/rivoli-paris-art-print-paris-landscape">Rivoli</a>' - Leigh Viner</div><div style="text-align: center;">15. 'I left my heart in Paris'&nbsp;-<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/EyePoetryPhotography"> Eye Poetry Photography</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/77415.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS#/">Metal 'B'</a> - Anthropologie</div><div style="text-align: center;">16. photo from an old calendar</div><div style="text-align: center;">17. my own photo</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mirror - vintage</div><div style="text-align: center;">18. my own painting</div><div style="text-align: center;">19. letter from a friend</div><div style="text-align: center;">20. 'Three Keys' - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/reneeanne">Renee Ann</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">21. 'It's All Messy' - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/topknotweddings">Top Knot Weddings</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">22. '<a href="http://www.ssprintshop.com/products/god-is-good">God is Good</a>' - SS Print Shop</div><div style="text-align: center;">23. my own photo</div><div style="text-align: center;">24. '<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=816176&amp;b=120126&amp;m=17025&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fwall%2Dart%2Dprints%2FMIN%2DL5X%2DGNA%2Fparis%2Dstreet%2Dshop%2D1%3Forg%3Dphoto">Paris Street Shop 1</a>' - Minted</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Most of these stores have really reasonable prices, but if you just don't have much to invest in art yet, I would suggest looking for a bulk discount (like BOGO) or waiting for a sale. Most shops will also offer some sort of first time purchase discount or a code when you sign up for their newsletter.<br /><br />If you've never purchased on Etsy before, use <a href="http://etsy.me/1ByaUzl">this link</a> to get $5 off your first purchase. I love &amp; recommend all the shops listed above, but if you're in need of more inspiration:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Pinegateroad">Pinegate Road</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ohmydeer?ref=l2-shopheader-name">ohmydeer</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TheParisPrintShop">The Paris Print Shop</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/emilymcdowellstudio">Emily McDowell</a>, &amp; all the <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/search/label/Art">shops I've interviewed</a> are great places to start your art search.<br /><br />Minted is currently running a spring promo for 15% off sitewide (including all their artwork!) until the 16th. If you need some ideas: there's a few other&nbsp;<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=816176&amp;b=120126&amp;m=17025&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fsearch%3Fof%3Dno%26category%3DGNA%26designerID%3D3135%26sort%3Dpopular%5Fasc">Paris street scenes</a> that are so sweet; I have <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=816176&amp;b=120126&amp;m=17025&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fwall%2Dart%2Dprints%2FMIN%2DLOU%2DGNA%2Fstaredown">this guy</a> hanging on my other wall (see him <a href="https://instagram.com/p/yse6GDDLQA/">here</a>); waiting to find a frame for <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=816176&amp;b=120126&amp;m=17025&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fwall%2Dart%2Dprints%2FMIN%2DJZM%2DGNA%2Fsomething%2Dborrowed%3Forg%3Dphoto">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=816176&amp;b=120126&amp;m=17025&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fwall%2Dart%2Dprints%2FMIN%2D4RL%2DGNA%2Ftulip%2Dand%2Dtracery">this one</a> too. And I always love a good floral! This <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=816176&amp;b=120126&amp;m=17025&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fwall%2Dart%2Dprints%2FMIN%2D29L%2DGNA%2Fflora%2Din%2Dpeach%2Dii%3Forg%3Dphoto">watercolour one</a>, this <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=816176&amp;b=120126&amp;m=17025&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fwall%2Dart%2Dprints%2FMIN%2DZYM%2DGNA%2Fbotanical%2Dno1%3Forg%3Dphoto">painted one</a>, and this one of <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=816176&amp;b=120126&amp;m=17025&amp;afftrack=&amp;urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fwall%2Dart%2Dprints%2FMIN%2D31N%2DGNA%2Fremember%2Dlily%2Dof%2Dthe%2Dvalley%3FccId%3D394144%26org%3Dtitle">lily of the valley</a> are all on my favourites list.<br /><br />What are your favourite places to buy art? I'm always on the lookout for gorgeous new pieces to add :)<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-85786065936631679592015-03-03T12:09:00.000-05:002015-03-03T12:09:09.853-05:00Winter Skincare Essentials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This winter has done terribly dry things to my normally oily skin. I posted a few months ago about <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/11/skincare-favourites.html">some of my favourites</a>, but I've added a few new things to my routine to help battle this winter dryness.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfdj6YoMs40/VOS6vvB4NxI/AAAAAAAAE0s/FbCP_lBWH68/s1600/G8%2Bwinterskincare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfdj6YoMs40/VOS6vvB4NxI/AAAAAAAAE0s/FbCP_lBWH68/s1600/G8%2Bwinterskincare.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>clockwise from top left</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.sephora.com/vinoperfect-radiance-serum-P94421?skuId=823427" target="_blank">Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/facial-radiance-pads-P278317" target="_blank">FAB Facial Radiance Pads</a>, Burts Bees LipBalm in <a href="http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/lips-lip-care-lip-balm/nourishing-lip-balm-with-mango-butter.html" target="_blank">Mango</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.burtsbees.ca/natural-products/lips-lip-care-lip-balm/replenishing-lip-balm-with-pomegranate-oil.html" target="_blank">Pomegranate</a>, <a href="http://www.glysomed.com/products/hands/" target="_blank">Glysomed Hand Cream</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/divine-oil-P374502?skuId=1542547" target="_blank">Caudalie Divine Oil</a>, EOS Lipbalm in <a href="http://evolutionofsmooth.ca/smooth-sphere-lip-balm-2721-html/smooth-spheres-can/sweet-mint-smooth-sphere-lip-balm.html" target="_blank">Sweet Mint</a>, <a href="https://store.nutiva.com/coconut-oil/" target="_blank">Nutiva Coconut Oil</a>,<a href="http://www.sephora.com/h-nail-cream-P152203" target="_blank"> Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/pure-maracuja-oil-P376726?skuId=1659556" target="_blank">Tarte Maracuja Oil</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/black-tea-firming-overnight-mask-P391799" target="_blank">Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-cream-P248407?skuId=1309590" target="_blank">FAB Ultra Repair Cream</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/rose-hydrating-gel-cream-P378335" target="_blank">Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is everything from day to night, from my hands to my face. Fresh &amp; Caudalie have pretty much taken over my skincare; my skin loves them &amp; just feels better when I use them. I bought a 3 piece kit from First Aid Beauty, and while the cleanser was not for me, the moisturizer &amp; radiance pads are both really great. Some people get weirded out by putting oil on their face, but I swear since I started using coconut oil to remove my makeup that my skin looks better. I've even used it as a moisturizer when nothing else is working!<br /><br />What are your favourites for keeping your skin happy in the winter? Any hidden gems I need to know about?<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-22935987704772679932015-02-17T10:36:00.000-05:002015-02-17T10:36:20.856-05:00Favourite Calligraphy Resources<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqtHw3xlAHE/VONdH8fYBJI/AAAAAAAAE0M/60TxE_IbLyA/s1600/G8%2Bcalligraphyresources.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqtHw3xlAHE/VONdH8fYBJI/AAAAAAAAE0M/60TxE_IbLyA/s1600/G8%2Bcalligraphyresources.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I have loved lettering &amp; calligraphy for a long time, so a few weeks ago I decided to give it a try! I did some research, bought some tools, and have been practicing ever since :) For those of you wanting to try calligraphy too, I gathered all my favourite resources to help you get started!<br /><br /><u>The Year of Lettering</u><br /><a href="http://2013yearoflettering.tumblr.com/">Kelly's tumblr </a>is full of gorgeous inspiration, but she&nbsp;<a href="http://2013yearoflettering.tumblr.com/resources" target="_blank">shares all her secrets</a>&nbsp;too! I found her resources invaluable when I was looking to buy my own.<br /><br /><u>Molly Jacques Modern Calligraphy Course on&nbsp;<a href="http://skl.sh/1CHjVpa" target="_blank">Skillshare*</a></u><br /><i>(If you sign up with the link above, we both get a free month!)</i><br />From how to hold the calligraphy pen, to forming letters, to supplies you'll need &amp; worksheets to help, Molly Jacques shares it all! And it was so handy to visually SEE someone doing everything, rather than just a photo.<br /><br /><u>Besotted Blog -&nbsp;<a href="http://besottedblog.com/hand-letteringmodern-calligraphy-tips-nibs" target="_blank">Nib&nbsp;Identification System</a></u><br />I think I purchased almost all of the nibs mentioned in that post, simply because I didn't know where else to start! Tristan also shared a few of her favourite supplies&nbsp;<a href="http://besottedblog.com/lettering-supplies-beginner" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><u>Quaintrelle's&nbsp;<a href="http://www.quaintrelle.ca/inside-a-quaintrelle-workshop-intro-to-calligraphy/" target="_blank">Intro to Calligraphy</a>&nbsp;Workshop</u><br />If you're in the Toronto area, Ashley has held two calligraphy workshops already with Post Calligraphy &amp; The Paper Place, and with all the interest there's bound to be more!<br /><br /><u>Scarlet &amp; Gold -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.scarletandgoldshop.com/webinars/" target="_blank">Free Webinar</a></u><br />I haven't taken their webinar yet (coming soon!) but their&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/scarletandgoldshop" target="_blank">Insta</a>&nbsp;is always full of inspiration :)<br /><i><br /></i><u>Your favourite calligraphers</u><br />I'm not suggesting copying these calligraphy greats, but many of them have kits to purchase with all their favourites, or teach classes you can attend! I love the behind-the-scenes sneak peeks many of them share :)<br /><a href="http://mollyjacquesillustration.com/" target="_blank">Molly Jacques Illustration&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://lhcalligraphy.com/" target="_blank">Laura Hooper Calligraphy</a>&nbsp;(I love her&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/LHCalligraphy" target="_blank">Insta</a>&nbsp;videos!)<br /><a href="http://saffronavenue.com/" target="_blank">Saffron Avenue</a><br /><a href="http://typeandtitle.com/" target="_blank">Type &amp; Title</a><br /><a href="http://www.postcalligraphy.com/" target="_blank">Post Calligraphy</a><br /><a href="http://www.greentiestudio.com/" target="_blank">Green Tie Studio</a><br /><a href="http://blueeyebrowneye.com/" target="_blank">Blue Eye Brown Eye</a><br /><br /><u>Or your favourite&nbsp;<a href="https://creativemarket.com/fonts/calligraphy/popular?u=BrittDouglas" target="_blank">calligraphy fonts*</a></u><br />There are so many styles of calligraphy, and sometimes visualizing them through a font can help you find your favourite style &amp; narrow down your practice.<br /><br /><u>Where to buy</u><br />And all this help is no use if you can't purchase anything :) I bought all my supplies (minus the paper) from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.paperinkarts.com/" target="_blank">Paper &amp; Ink Arts</a>. Their prices are good, shipping was quick &amp; there's just so much fun stuff to look at! You might even have a local arts store that sells calligraphy so be sure to check those out too.<br /><br />If you're diving into the art of calligraphy too, let me know your favourite resources! I love this community because we can all learn together &amp; support creative endeavours.<br /><br />xo<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">* denotes an affiliate link. I may make a small commission, but there is no additional cost to you!</span></i>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-46972830802164238752015-02-07T07:00:00.000-05:002015-02-07T07:00:05.131-05:00Weekend Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--s_mRkC41GM/VNUUSF2AjlI/AAAAAAAAEzg/bqhJyRaU9hI/s1600/ephesians3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--s_mRkC41GM/VNUUSF2AjlI/AAAAAAAAEzg/bqhJyRaU9hI/s1600/ephesians3.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><i><br /></i><i>Happy weekend! Hope you had a lovely week :) We're due to get more snow today (oh Canada...) so I'm planning on a quiet, snowed in morning, reading by the fire. Here's some posts I loved this week in case you find yourself with some time to read...</i><br /><br />+&nbsp;On why the world needs <a href="http://theeverygirl.com/the-world-needs-more-people-like-atticus-finch">more people like Atticus Finch</a><br /><br />+ On <a href="http://www.thetinytwig.com/2015/01/09/creative-advice/">finding &amp; keeping that spark</a> of creativity<br /><br />+ On why <a href="http://www.elleandcompanydesign.com/blog/2015/2/2/why-branding-matters">branding matters</a><br /><br />+ On the <a href="http://www.valmariepaper.com/the-art-of-waiting/">art of waiting</a> for the right one<br /><br />+ On <a href="http://www.pinegateroad.com/hire-designer-branding/">when to hire a designer</a><br /><br />+ On the <a href="http://www.gracelaced.com/blog/amazingly-impossible">impossible</a>. (and ps, her <a href="http://www.gracelaced.com/store/">shoppe</a>? full of beautiful prints like the one above)<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-7221113955049145712015-02-03T10:45:00.000-05:002015-02-03T10:45:24.938-05:00Coming soon...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocJa8TvfxSM/VNDsut3b_RI/AAAAAAAAEzI/Cjs9o7tLY4c/s1600/bybrittanyinsta.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocJa8TvfxSM/VNDsut3b_RI/AAAAAAAAEzI/Cjs9o7tLY4c/s1600/bybrittanyinsta.png" height="640" width="640" /></a><i>coming soon...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Just in case you missed it on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/ynmU_ojLfP/?modal=true">Instagram</a> last night :)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-87899006353096443682015-01-30T10:00:00.001-05:002015-01-30T10:00:58.109-05:00Julep in Review: 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ0LcWmF6Bc/VMpVQRijfpI/AAAAAAAAEx0/w9hgjXztV6I/s1600/julep2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ0LcWmF6Bc/VMpVQRijfpI/AAAAAAAAEx0/w9hgjXztV6I/s1600/julep2014.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br />You've heard me talk about Julep boxes quite a bit on this blog, &nbsp;but I usually don't go back afterwards to update you on my thoughts after I've used a product for a while. Thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do so, especially since I've found so many great products from Julep! (though in full disclosure, there have definitely been a few duds too!)<br /><br /><hr /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />February - <a href="http://www.julep.com/blog/meet-the-february-maven-collection/">The Dramatic Collection</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/02/february-julep-box-video-review.html">original post</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Eye Sheen ('Pale Nude') - I saw a lot of comments about the formula of this; how people were expecting a more solid cream shadow &amp; thought this liquid one was odd. I love the formula of this though because it 'sets'. So my oily lids aren't a total grease-slick halfway through the day like they would be if I used a regular cream shadow. A total keeper for me.<br /><br />Ink Gel Eyeliner ('Black') - I liked this a lot. My first experience with gel liner &amp; while it would never replace liquid for me, I did like it. However, I looked at my jar a few weeks ago &amp; saw something similar to this photo&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/p/xOy8F9uQmX/?modal=true">here</a>. Don't think I'll be using this again...<br /><br />Angled Brush - Nice bristles, good weight to the handle, great brush.<br /><br />Polish ('Love') - I don't think I've worn this since, but it's so pretty! I thought it was a great bonus item for Valentine's day &amp; the gold cap was extra special.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmSCXdyX4Gs/VMpVQcrBqoI/AAAAAAAAEx4/JZjc4Xt4RTw/s1600/julepfeb%2B2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmSCXdyX4Gs/VMpVQcrBqoI/AAAAAAAAEx4/JZjc4Xt4RTw/s1600/julepfeb%2B2014.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NERbMho49EE" width="640"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">March - <a href="http://www.julep.com/blog/meet-the-march-maven-collection/">The Riviera Collection</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/03/march-julep-box-video-review.html">original post</a></i></div><br />Polishes ('Lilou', 'Monaco', 'Lizanne', 'Margaret', 'Princess Grace') - All the cool blues &amp; greens? Love, will wear a lot. The yellow &amp; orange? Not as much - they're just not my colours. In fact, I wore Lilou to see if I could wear a yellow &amp; several people commented that it was not their favourite colour on me.<br /><br />Lip Gloss (in 'Awestruck') - I still reach for this almost every day. In fact, I bought a backup in November because I love this gloss so much!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ccFvuIrQD4A/VMpViVoqE-I/AAAAAAAAEyE/AKMxmWxf9rw/s1600/julepmarch%2B2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ccFvuIrQD4A/VMpViVoqE-I/AAAAAAAAEyE/AKMxmWxf9rw/s1600/julepmarch%2B2014.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/d__lxKhXSgM" width="640"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">April - <a href="http://www.julep.com/blog/meet-the-april-maven-collection/">The Vivid Collection</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/04/april-julep-box-video-review.html">original post</a></i></div><br />Blush ('Peach Bellini') - Love. Use this almost every day. Packaging is great, colour is gorgeous, love!<br /><br />Bronzer ('Light Golden Bronze') - Julep's customer service was great &amp; sent me out a new bronzer asap when my original one was smashed in the mail. The colour runs a little warm for me, but I'm super pale so most bronzers do. I do like it &amp; use it quite a bit, just with a light hand haha<br /><br />Polishes (Jet &amp; Brigitte) Classics! I didn't have a black or white (shocking I know...) so these have both been used multiple times, usually for nail <a href="http://instagram.com/p/weQ4RFjLa6/?modal=true">art</a> but also for full <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xHYLuyjLc9/?modal=true">manis</a>. Great shades!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNA9nbLu_64/VMpVre9VM5I/AAAAAAAAEyQ/SPHU-59n0-4/s1600/julepapril%2B2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNA9nbLu_64/VMpVre9VM5I/AAAAAAAAEyQ/SPHU-59n0-4/s1600/julepapril%2B2014.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CpjJmFV04NM" width="640"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">May - <a href="http://www.julep.com/blog/meet-the-may-2014-maven-collection/">Fresh Twist Collection</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/06/may-julep-box-video.html">original post</a></i></div><div><br /></div>Polishes ('Jeanne', 'Paulette', 'Kam', 'Jules') - Gorgeous spring shades! I love how they all work together &amp; I will wear all of these again &amp; again.<br /><br />Plie Wand - Truth time. I don't use the Plie Wand. I was excited to try it out &amp; see, and it's not a case of dislike or anything, but I already have a routine for painting my nails &amp; I found the Plie Wand a bit awkward. I still want to work with it &amp; I'm planning to pick up the creativity kit because I think it will be GREAT for painting thin lines or dotting, but for my everyday manis? Not something I use. However, I think if you struggle with painting your nails &amp; want something to help steady your hand, this would be perfect.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1qV-7jfsjA/VMpVtmSOv5I/AAAAAAAAEys/uDOEI9aOZc0/s1600/julepmay%2B2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1qV-7jfsjA/VMpVtmSOv5I/AAAAAAAAEys/uDOEI9aOZc0/s1600/julepmay%2B2014.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6slwIeZsOnk" width="640"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">August - <a href="http://www.julep.com/blog/meet-august-2014-maven-collection/">The Wanderlust Collection</a></div><br />Gel Eye Glider ('Blackest Black') - A great black eyeliner! Glides on smoothly, stays put. I do prefer self-sharpening or twist up liners, but this one is still really nice.<br /><br />Polishes ('Neha' &amp; 'Tazeen') - I wore both of these at my best friend's <a href="http://instagram.com/p/tGDcJXjLek/?modal=true">wedding</a> in August :) Tazeen on my hands (our dresses were hunter green so it was perfect) and Neha on my (hidden) toes. Gorgeous colours &amp; I can't wait for summer again to paint my toes! haha I also used Tazeen for <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xHYLuyjLc9/?modal=true">this</a> holiday mani.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ft1VrgIH74/VMpVrXnXFdI/AAAAAAAAEyY/xfPCYeOYv0s/s1600/julepaugust%2B2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ft1VrgIH74/VMpVrXnXFdI/AAAAAAAAEyY/xfPCYeOYv0s/s1600/julepaugust%2B2014.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">November - <a href="http://www.julep.com/blog/friendsgiving-november-maven-reveal/">The Friendsgiving Collection</a></div><br />Mascara ('Go Big') - A nice, black mascara. I wouldn't repurchase, but it creates nice, natural looking volume and doesn't go too 'spidery' or clumpy for me.<br /><br />Polishes ('Shari', 'Devon', 'Malala') - <a href="http://instagram.com/p/vWQYDBDLaQ/?modal=true">Shari</a> ended up surprising me &amp; became my new favourite neutral polish. <a href="http://instagram.com/p/vrPS_7jLb_/?modal=true">Devon</a> is lovely too with it's microshimmer, but Shari stole this box for me. Malala was a bonus item that came with my favourite 'Awestruck' gloss (it was cheaper to buy the add on than to buy the gloss separately) and I'll admit I haven't worn it yet. Warm pinks don't usually work for me, but I'll have to give it a try soon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYgHDqmpHgA/VMpVuOfc37I/AAAAAAAAEyw/Z2FKOJdVgJY/s1600/julepnovember%2B2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYgHDqmpHgA/VMpVuOfc37I/AAAAAAAAEyw/Z2FKOJdVgJY/s1600/julepnovember%2B2014.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">December - <a href="http://www.julep.com/blog/countdown-december-maven-collection/">The Countdown Collection</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/12/december-julep-box-video.html">original post</a></i></div><br />Orbital Eyeshadow ('Supernova') - Beautiful shadow! I like applying this wet to get the full impact of the purple/pink colour shift, but it works dry as well for a more toned down look.<br /><br />Polishes ('Sienna', 'Ilga', 'Paula', 'Nell') - Loved all the shades! <a href="http://instagram.com/p/wq_tuLDLSB/?modal=true">Sienna</a> is a gorgeous gold foil &amp; <a href="http://instagram.com/p/wq_tuLDLSB/?modal=true">Ilga</a> is that perfect vampy red that doesn't look black. Paula is just my kind of colour :) And while Nell wasn't a perfect match for Butter London's Tart with a Heart, it's still a gorgeous sparkly polish!<br /><br />Nail Stickers - I wore them for <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/12/nailed-it-gold-stripe.html">this mani</a>, and they lasted a few days before I had to apply a bit more topcoat to keep them laying flat. I was able to use one sticker for 2 nails which means they'll last longer, since you don't get a ton of stickers in the pack.<br /><br />Blank Canvas Lip Primer - I haven't been able to bring myself to use this much, the chemical smell is just a bit off-putting. Maybe that will wear off with time though? I'll give it another few shots before I give up, but I'm glad I didn't pay for this (was a bonus item in my box).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2L9s-2rByU/VMpVsGOF_FI/AAAAAAAAEyg/TKLivgOJXEQ/s1600/julepdecebmer%2B2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2L9s-2rByU/VMpVsGOF_FI/AAAAAAAAEyg/TKLivgOJXEQ/s1600/julepdecebmer%2B2014.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Z47w0WvybM" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I was really pleased with almost everything I received in my Julep boxes last year! I use the beauty products a lot, and their polish is consistently good. I already picked up <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xhF_r2DLWV/?modal=true">January's box</a> (review coming soon!) and February's box has another bonus this year so it might just need to be picked up too haha</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you tried Julep? I know you can buy a few polishes in Sephora, but the pricing through the boxes is a way better deal. If you join the Julep Maven program, you get future discounts on products, free shipping &amp; of course, first pick of their new products!<br /><br />You can get your first box <b>free</b> (&amp; skip boxes whenever you like!) if you sign up through <a href="https://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/93115/"><i>this link</i></a> (which is an affiliate link, but there's no extra cost for you &amp; we both get free polish - win-win ;).&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-69135092017534597812015-01-22T17:43:00.000-05:002015-01-22T17:43:06.139-05:00Winter Reading List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1qhTV7cI-U/VMF0ULBocHI/AAAAAAAAExc/hcc75ZR2M80/s1600/booksjan2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1qhTV7cI-U/VMF0ULBocHI/AAAAAAAAExc/hcc75ZR2M80/s1600/booksjan2015.png" /></a></div><i>Along with the cold weather always comes this deep desire to curl up in front of the <a href="http://instagram.com/p/v1umMsjLb0/?modal=true">fire</a> with a good book :) Here's what I've been reading lately &amp; what's on my to-be-read list...</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/9780385678384-item.html?ref=item_page:richrel:rr-carousel-small:json1">As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust</a> - Alan Bradley<br />I adore the Flavia de Luce series &amp; the newest release is just as good - maybe slightly better simply because it's set in Canada! If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-god-in-ruins/9780385671408-item.html?ref=by-shop%3abooks%3abooks-mostanticipated%3amost-anticipated-books-of-2015%3a30%3a">A God in Ruins</a> - Kate Atkinson<br />I read &amp; loved '<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/life-after-life/9780385671378-item.html?ikwid=life+after+life&amp;ikwsec=Home&amp;ikwidx=1">Life After Life</a>', and when I saw this on the pre-order list I was intrigued simply because it was by the same author. Turns out it's a companion novel to 'Life After Life' which just has me even more interested...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-girl-on-the-train/9780385682312-item.html?s_campaign=goo-BooksByTitle&amp;gclid=CNeT4dOcqMMCFYI6aQodcV8Ajw">The Girl on the Train</a> - Paula Hawkins<br />This one was recommended to me, and after reading the description I had to put it on my list. "<i>Just what goes on in the houses you pass by every day?</i>" I'm thinking I might have to pick this one up tomorrow to devour all weekend :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/all-the-light-we-cannot/9781501104565-item.html?ref=shop%3aheathers-picks%3aheathers-picks%3aheathers-picks-fiction-use%3a3%3a">All the Light We Cannot See</a> - Anthony Doerr<br />A novel that weaves a story so beautiful, it has to be recommended! I read this over the holidays and so enjoyed it.<br /><br />What are you reading? Any books you're looking forward to this year?<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-41343080376184095132015-01-21T14:56:00.001-05:002015-01-21T14:56:18.395-05:00The Story of a Gallery Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LwQmKxQ7dk/VL_0ScS7toI/AAAAAAAAEwE/1ypvMhPHOmk/s1600/gallerystory4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LwQmKxQ7dk/VL_0ScS7toI/AAAAAAAAEwE/1ypvMhPHOmk/s1600/gallerystory4.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />I <i>love</i> a good gallery wall (if you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/brittdouglas_">Instagram</a> you already know that!) and I have to admit I'm pretty proud of mine. But it's not something that happened overnight. It has been collected &amp; curated over 3 years and it's still not quite finished - there's a good chance it never will be 'done' - but I've learned a lot along the way.<br /><br />I shared this thought a few months ago with a <a href="http://instagram.com/p/udXyL6DLb6/?modal=true">photo of my wall</a> &amp; it's still true now:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Wherever you are, remember that all good things take time.&nbsp;This gallery (which, lets be honest, is so not important compared to many things) took over 3 years. And there were many moments of not-so-pretty (and more than a few extra holes in the wall) to get it to this point. Things take time - nothing in life happens overnight. So keep asking and seeking and working, you'll get there soon.</i></blockquote><br />All the photos I could find of my gallery over the past 3 years - along with my thoughts on collecting &amp; curating your own gallery - after the jump.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><hr /><br />The two prints that started it all. I bought these prints from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeighViner">Leigh Viner</a> during a<br />holiday sale after admiring them for years. <i>Here's another shot from mid-2012 -&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/p/N8j3UhjLWg/?modal=true">link</a>.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6aslxrZn_4/VL_0Zur4CSI/AAAAAAAAEwM/5uGKJMIDhWU/s1600/gallerystory%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6aslxrZn_4/VL_0Zur4CSI/AAAAAAAAEwM/5uGKJMIDhWU/s1600/gallerystory%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Hopefully you can see the evolution in the photos above, but it grew pretty slowly. At one point, I decided I was not happy with the arrangement, so everything came down and I planned it out with paper. I mixed up the frames, the type of art, and the colours to try &amp; achieve a more 'balanced' look.<br /><br />Below are some daylight shots (and so you can see the blue I used to have!) and the reason you usually don't see my desk - haha! Thankfully I have more storage under my desk now so it doesn't get that bad, but oh man.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aaduxy_3YhI/VL_0acH7j5I/AAAAAAAAEwY/1Q7buW_oe6Y/s1600/gallerystory2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aaduxy_3YhI/VL_0acH7j5I/AAAAAAAAEwY/1Q7buW_oe6Y/s1600/gallerystory2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />You have no idea how happy I was to finally <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/02/soft-grey.html">paint over that blue</a>! I purposely made sure I liked the frame arrangement before I painted so I could fill in all the holes I'd made over the years. The soft grey has made the biggest difference, and I could not be happier with how it turned out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WByfbxn3Pcs/VL_0aSSAjOI/AAAAAAAAEwU/IWZNCfJluRc/s1600/gallerystory3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WByfbxn3Pcs/VL_0aSSAjOI/AAAAAAAAEwU/IWZNCfJluRc/s1600/gallerystory3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Starting to look a little more familiar, non? Some of the photos were switched, and I finally finished the bottom half of the wall (that took far too long to decide what to do with!), but here's what it looks like now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCOgYGkaU5w/VL_0bZEPHaI/AAAAAAAAEwc/XXqABO0Tuxo/s1600/gallerystory5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCOgYGkaU5w/VL_0bZEPHaI/AAAAAAAAEwc/XXqABO0Tuxo/s1600/gallerystory5.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBFUIQ_gKas/VL_0cR0jZEI/AAAAAAAAEwo/_rTmc5OzCCo/s1600/gallerystory6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBFUIQ_gKas/VL_0cR0jZEI/AAAAAAAAEwo/_rTmc5OzCCo/s1600/gallerystory6.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Full of things that I love, that inspire me, motivate me and make me smile. I love waking up to this view every morning! And that blank wall you can kind of see in the mirror? Not so blank <a href="http://instagram.com/p/wwWCN3jLd0/?modal=true">anymore</a>! #cantstopwontstop<br /><br />So, after 3 years &amp; many nails holes later, what are my <i>gallery guidelines</i>?<br /><br /><b>ONE</b> // Pick art that you love, that speaks to you in some way. It will all come together.<br /><b>TWO</b> // Try different 'mediums': photography, illustration, paintings, originals, text, etc.<br /><b>THREE</b> // Let it grow organically. Start small, &amp; build as you go.<br /><b>FOUR</b> // Paper templates are great, but eventually you just need to:<br /><b>FIVE</b> // Get out that hammer &amp; do it! Guess what happens if you make too many holes? Nothing. Fill them in &amp; try again (or just hang another frame overtop ;)<br /><br />And one bonus tip: make it yours! Use your own photos, paint a little canvas, find something that can't be bought anywhere else. These are often the sweetest touches, &amp; it also means that no one can recreate it :)<br /><br />You can see some more shots of the wall on Instagram under the hashtag <a href="http://www.picturegr.am/tag/gallerywallfordays">#gallerywallfordays</a>&nbsp;&amp; follow me <a href="http://instagram.com/brittdouglas_">@brittdouglas_&nbsp;</a>to see the updates I've been working on.<br /><br />Where do you stand on gallery walls? If you've got one of your own, share a link in the comments or tag me on Instagram. I would love to see!<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-78908028556335955952015-01-19T12:43:00.001-05:002015-01-19T12:45:02.324-05:00Behind the 'Gram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really do love Instagram, but sometimes it's styled ideal can be more than a little unrealistic. Thought I'd share some behind-the-scenes thoughts from a few photos <a href="http://instagram.com/brittdouglas_/">I've posted in the last month</a> :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/e15/928708_807892265938647_1646047410_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/e15/928708_807892265938647_1646047410_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a>There are days the top of this desk can barely be seen, so it was in dire need of a clean-up. I'm happy to report it still resembles this photo, although there might be a few other beauty bottles added ;)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/e15/10899098_366032773576949_1363768548_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/e15/10899098_366032773576949_1363768548_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This shot taken from the car a few weeks ago is still one of my faves, even the dirty windows. This is real life after all ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10899288_326933324160754_2070411916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10899288_326933324160754_2070411916_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While my desk is often this messy, it's only ever this 'styled' when the camera comes out :) Other wise I'm sure I'd be bleeding everywhere from those gold tacks. And my pen holder is usually kept upright haha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10914393_753195818097688_1551371291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10914393_753195818097688_1551371291_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get a bit bored with the usual nail photos, so I tried to style these a bit. Needless to say, this was a great idea in theory, but oh man the outtakes are awkward haha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10903422_1420999344857911_200788238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10903422_1420999344857911_200788238_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the few 'milder' days we've had (read: barely above freezing), getting outside for a walk has been a nice break from my desk. I took this same shot <a href="http://instagram.com/p/ueLviUjLff/?modal=true">back in the fall</a> - what a difference 12 weeks can make!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10914480_624568984315858_1092869330_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/e15/10914480_624568984315858_1092869330_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And finally, my challenge for 2015 is to learn calligraphy! I bought some ink &amp; nibs <a href="http://www.paperinkarts.com/">online</a>, took a course from Molly Jacques on Skillshare, and have been practicing every day since. The topmost sheet in this photo was full of capital B's, and the bottom sheet has a nice splat from when my nib &amp; I didn't quite agree ;)</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>ps, if you sign up through <a href="http://skl.sh/1CHjVpa">this link</a>, we both get a free month on Skillshare. They have tons of classes - I have my eye on several more!</i></div><br />Any stories to go along with some of your <a href="http://instagram.com/brittdouglas_/">Instagrams</a>?<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-81004671041653793512015-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:002015-01-10T07:00:03.623-05:00Weekend Reading<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tC_FG1C-v3A/VK_sZ0yf6AI/AAAAAAAAEvU/fHeRisJpr28/s1600/ampersandinsta.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tC_FG1C-v3A/VK_sZ0yf6AI/AAAAAAAAEvU/fHeRisJpr28/s1600/ampersandinsta.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xotYhpjLeA/?modal=true">sneak peak</a> I posted on <a href="http://instagram.com/brittdouglas_/">Instagram</a>...</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Happy weekend!! Can't believe the first full week of January is over, but I'm excited about what the rest of 2015 has in store :) I'm planning on staying warm &amp; checking off my to-do list this weekend, but I'll see you back here on Monday!</i><br /><br />A post&nbsp;<a href="http://www.valmariepaper.com/creativity-copycats-christians/">all creatives</a> should read<br /><br />Fun tip for <a href="http://www.puglypixel.net/blog/branded-short-urls">branded short</a> URLs<br /><br />What you get when you&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hopeheals.com/blog/what-you-get-when-you-choose-gratitude">choose gratitude</a><br /><br />How <a href="https://medium.com/everything-about-startups-and-entrepreneurship/the-single-biggest-reason-most-entrepreneurs-fail-in-2014-4c7e41e013cb">distraction</a>&nbsp;might be derailing your dreams<br /><br />Stop worrying &amp; <a href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2014/11/ask_andrew_wk_how_do_i_stop_holding_myself_back.php">just go for it</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarrylee/jane-austen-was-way-ahead-of-her-time#.duDBJ0ZAd">Wise words</a> from Jane Austen<br /><br />Why we <a href="http://acuff.me/2014/12/fail-finish-line-sometimes-want/">fail at the finish</a> line<br /><br />Habits are about <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3024648/bottom-line/why-successful-habits-are-about-structure-not-effort">structure, not effort</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nitromarketing.com/blog/6-content-creation-brainhacks/">Brain hacks</a>&nbsp;to get your creative juices flowing<br /><br />And if you didn't eat quite enough over the holidays ;), here's a recipe for "<a href="http://forme-foryou.com/2011/08/the-only-chocolate-chip-cookie-i-will-ever-need-to-know-how-to-make-for-the-rest-of-my-life.html">the only chococlate chip cookie you will ever need to know how to make for the rest of your life</a>"<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-57634491234289180042015-01-09T09:13:00.000-05:002015-01-09T09:13:44.164-05:00Nailed It: White Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5SaYKAqm9U/VK_df__4zQI/AAAAAAAAEvE/tm6WBoPuGpk/s1600/whitegoldsilvernails.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5SaYKAqm9U/VK_df__4zQI/AAAAAAAAEvE/tm6WBoPuGpk/s1600/whitegoldsilvernails.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApFzJUCF5As/VK_dd9H0qaI/AAAAAAAAEuw/1licFcXgvVQ/s1600/whitegoldsilvernails%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApFzJUCF5As/VK_dd9H0qaI/AAAAAAAAEuw/1licFcXgvVQ/s1600/whitegoldsilvernails%2B3.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRhUzQv1L0w/VK_dd81vWYI/AAAAAAAAEus/fWBNb0WQ0mY/s1600/whitegoldsilvernails%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRhUzQv1L0w/VK_dd81vWYI/AAAAAAAAEus/fWBNb0WQ0mY/s1600/whitegoldsilvernails%2B2.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDP4UTrTGSM/VK_deNeq4TI/AAAAAAAAEu0/KWd-3LQKvkM/s1600/whitegoldsilvernails%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDP4UTrTGSM/VK_deNeq4TI/AAAAAAAAEu0/KWd-3LQKvkM/s1600/whitegoldsilvernails%2B4.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br />I shared this mani on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/xHYLuyjLc9/?modal=true">Instagram</a> over the holidays, but I wanted to share it here for those that aren't following me there &amp; love a good mani :) (ps, <a href="http://instagram.com/brittdouglas_/">follow along</a> so you don't miss next time!)<br /><br />I do a lot of glitter gradients, I know. But it's because they're so simple &amp; have such an impact! One thing I loved about this particular combo is that it's wearable year round for any celebration. It's such a classic, neutral nail that would pair with anything. I used <a href="http://www.julep.com/brigitte-classic.html">Julep Brigitte</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/Effects/luxeffects/set-in-stones.aspx">Essie Set in Stones</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/Effects/luxeffects/rock-at-the-top.aspx">Essie Rock at the Top</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/Colors/metallics/beyond-cozy.aspx">Essie Beyond Cozy</a> &amp; my usual combo of <a href="http://www.sallybeauty.com/nail-gel/SBS-507020,default,pd.html">Gelous</a> &amp; <a href="http://ca.sallyhansen.com/nails/nail-care/diamond-flash-fast-dry-top-coat">Sally Hansen Diamond Flash Topcoat</a>.<br /><br />What have you been wearing on your nails lately? I'm craving light &amp; bright to beat the winter gloom :)<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-89666848457327927932015-01-05T11:53:00.001-05:002015-01-05T11:53:39.528-05:00New Year, New Tools<div>You've probably all heard/seen the quote, <i>"Insanity is repeating the same actions and expecting different results."</i> or some version of it, and it is so applicable to our new year's goals. (I say 'our' because I am so guilty of this sometimes!)</div><div><br /></div><div>But 2015? I've got some new tools &amp; I'm changing up the usual to hopefully achieve some new goals :)</div><div><br /></div><div>If you find yourself in the same boat as me - wanting to make goals &amp; actually achieve them - but don't know where to start, I'm sharing all the tools I'm using this year to&nbsp;<b>make things happen</b>!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/928948_1508925976062171_625281052_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/928948_1508925976062171_625281052_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Powersheets</b>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether you <a href="http://laracaseyshop.com/products/making-things-happen-powersheets">use these</a>, or follow Lara's goal setting series on her blog (<a href="http://laracasey.com/2014/12/31/2015-goal-setting-part-1-good-things/">2015</a> is underway, but <a href="http://laracasey.com/2013/12/27/2014-goal-setting-part-1-lets-do-this/">2014</a> &amp; <a href="http://laracasey.com/2012/12/27/goal-setting-making-things-happen-in-2013-part-1/">2013</a> are still up!), her system &amp; process of goal setting will help you find &amp; finesse goals that MATTER. No frills or fussiness here, just real, deep introspection that helps you develop good, true, solid, goals (and a plan to make them happen ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Glow eBook</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been following <a href="http://rachelgadiel.com/">Rachel &amp; her blog</a> for years (I think I found her old blog,&nbsp;<a href="http://littlebitsoflovely.blogspot.ca/">Little Bits of Lovely</a>, just after I started my blog!) and seeing all her incredibly inspiring work has been so cool! When she launched her eBook <a href="http://rachelgadiel.com/glow-practical-toolkit-dream-chasers/">GLOW</a>, I knew I had to pick it up. She packs so much punch with tons of resources, information &amp; worksheets beside so many good, kind, supportive thoughts - definitely a must read if you want to kick in the pants to get your goals done :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Read</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't care what it is, but find something that speaks to you &amp; dive in! Whether it's <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7653934/type/dlg/http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/make-it-happen/9780529101501-item.html?ikwid=make+it+happen&amp;ikwsec=Home&amp;ikwidx=0">Make it Happen</a>, <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7653934/type/dlg/http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/ordering-your-private-world/9780785288640-item.html?ikwid=ordering+your+private+world&amp;ikwsec=Home&amp;ikwidx=0">Ordering Your Private World</a>, <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7653934/type/dlg/http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/love-does-discover-a-secretly/9781400203758-item.html?ikwid=love+does&amp;ikwsec=Home&amp;ikwidx=0">Love Does</a>, or anything that can help you figure out what matters &amp; how to make it happen, do it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Journal</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How else are you going to write out your <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7653934/type/dlg/http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/paper/embossed-journal-yellow-make-it/882709187622-item.html?ref=by-shop%3apaper%3ajournals-classicjournals%3ajournals-classic-journals%3a7%3a">dreams &amp; goals</a> and keep track of them? I started journalling last year, and I admit I'm not a natural at it, but I love the idea of having a written record to look back on. Especially with goal setting!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Words</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Surround yourself with words that change. Whether you write them out, buy a <a href="http://www.ssprintshop.com/collections/thanksgiving/products/thanksgiving-prayer">print</a>&nbsp;(or <a href="http://society6.com/product/opportunity-jyr_print#1=45">two</a>!), a daily <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ann-Voskamp-Daybrightener-Perpetual-Calendar/dp/1608174301/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">daybrightener</a>, download an app, tape them to your mirror or your desk, surround yourself with good things. Write out your goals and keep them visible! Nothing will ever happen if you forget about them. I'm planning on writing all of mine out &amp; keeping them behind my desk - nothing like accountability to make things happen :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10899288_326933324160754_2070411916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10899288_326933324160754_2070411916_n.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You can do this!! Prepare yourself, dream big, &amp; then work ever harder :)<div><div><br /><div>Happy 2015!</div><div><br /></div><div>xo</div></div></div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-66216946951940543482014-12-17T14:22:00.000-05:002014-12-17T14:22:55.953-05:00Nailed It: Gold Stripe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jIGYGImtXs/VJGtZFEDCVI/AAAAAAAAEsE/0dHjN5SUPbA/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jIGYGImtXs/VJGtZFEDCVI/AAAAAAAAEsE/0dHjN5SUPbA/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B1.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Holiday nails - round two!! You may have already seen a sneak peek on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/wq_tuLDLSB/?modal=true">Instagram</a> :)<br /><br />After doing <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/12/nailed-it-festive-greens.html">green &amp; patterned</a> last week, I knew I wanted something a little more 'sleek' this time round. And with the arrival of my <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/12/december-julep-box-video.html">December Julep Box</a>, my colours were easily chosen :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk5FZyHi0mM/VJGtZF2xO3I/AAAAAAAAEsI/trTaoFGdGyY/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk5FZyHi0mM/VJGtZF2xO3I/AAAAAAAAEsI/trTaoFGdGyY/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B3.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love the way <a href="http://www.julep.com/ilga.html">Ilga</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.julep.com/sienna-classic.html">Sienna</a> look together, and the addition of the gold stripe sticker was perfect! So glad I picked those up from Julep. (They don't seem to have them online at the moment, but I'll post them the minute they do.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wsRF6-7ls4/VJGtbt2VO6I/AAAAAAAAEsY/3YvoTmS6k2c/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wsRF6-7ls4/VJGtbt2VO6I/AAAAAAAAEsY/3YvoTmS6k2c/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B4.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PZQQphspvU/VJGtcQUrhyI/AAAAAAAAEsc/lGulC24aLkg/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PZQQphspvU/VJGtcQUrhyI/AAAAAAAAEsc/lGulC24aLkg/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B5.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5GHjdKag3U/VJGtcSdayfI/AAAAAAAAEsg/y6SgbXA17TM/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5GHjdKag3U/VJGtcSdayfI/AAAAAAAAEsg/y6SgbXA17TM/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B6.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My phone was lying nearby when I was taking these shots, and since it's gold I thought it might make a cute addition to the photos ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8f6T1yPg5c/VJGtZHroTCI/AAAAAAAAEsA/wAAEC6iwsY0/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8f6T1yPg5c/VJGtZHroTCI/AAAAAAAAEsA/wAAEC6iwsY0/s1600/redgoldchristmasnails%2B2.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Are you in the Christmas mood yet? I have to admit, having the Christmas tree beside my desk is certainly helping me feel quite festive! Although my nails aren't hurting either :)<br /><br />You can find more of my nail &amp; beauty looks <i><a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/search/label/Beauty">here</a></i>.<br /><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-74716213335691000302014-12-16T11:05:00.000-05:002014-12-16T11:05:01.193-05:00Loving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Just a few things that have captured my love &amp; attention lately...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10831909_472887622849958_311945672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10831909_472887622849958_311945672_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Psalm 23</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know it's an incredibly popular passage, but when you slow down &amp; really dig into the words? It's so beautiful. Thankyou to <a href="http://instagram.com/p/u8Joh7IoJw/?modal=true">Grace</a> for opening my eyes to it's meaning again.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10817726_709857185750501_726561455_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10817726_709857185750501_726561455_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Perfume &amp; Pearls</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Me &amp; <a href="http://www.sephora.com/balenciaga-paris-P305801?skuId=1405851">Balenciaga</a> go way back - back to the days of living in downtown Toronto &amp; falling in love with this chic scent. And <a href="http://www.baublebar.com/pearl-360-stud.html">double pearls</a>? So fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10831804_729759263778486_841837079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10831804_729759263778486_841837079_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Art</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I mean, art always makes me happy :) But <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/212645370/done-is-better-than-perfect-hand?ref=shop_home_active_1">handprinted, imperfect, limited edition loveliness</a> from Kelsey of Pinegate Road? Over the moon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10838450_875049659206989_407142215_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/10838450_875049659206989_407142215_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Gold</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I promise I didn't plan to match my nails to my new Chapters mug on purpose, it was just a happy accident :) Both colours are from <a href="http://www.gallerynoeight.com/2014/12/december-julep-box-video.html">Julep's December box</a>, and the gold monogram mugs are&nbsp;<a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7653934/type/dlg/http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/house-and-home/gifts/gold-cursive-monogram-mug-b/882709171201-item.html?ref=by-shop:house-and-home:tabletop-mugs-monogrammugs:tabletop-entertaining-mugs-monogram:5:">currently 50% off</a>!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">xo</div>Britt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1718519113603961169.post-84836569696022291082014-12-15T12:23:00.000-05:002014-12-15T12:23:28.553-05:00December Julep Box - Video!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cmprffih3yM/VI8WZrub8ZI/AAAAAAAAEro/Wy1rhWpxg5Y/s1600/decemberjulep%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cmprffih3yM/VI8WZrub8ZI/AAAAAAAAEro/Wy1rhWpxg5Y/s1600/decemberjulep%2B1.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BNpU7Ek_FsI/VI8WZmqA1OI/AAAAAAAAErs/bjR93VS7s3g/s1600/decemberjulep%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BNpU7Ek_FsI/VI8WZmqA1OI/AAAAAAAAErs/bjR93VS7s3g/s1600/decemberjulep%2B2.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have been crushing <i>hard</i> on the last few Julep items I've picked up. The polishes I got in my November box were gorgeous (see them <a href="http://instagram.com/p/vWQYDBDLaQ/?modal=true">here</a> &amp; <a href="http://instagram.com/p/vrPS_7jLb_/?modal=true">here</a>) and this month is no exception. The entire Countdown Collection was stunning, but the polishes &amp; eyeshadow I picked are even more beautiful in person.<br /><br />Watch the video below to hear my thoughts on everything I picked up, or click <i><a href="http://youtu.be/5Z47w0WvybM">here</a></i> to watch on Youtube.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Z47w0WvybM" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;I thought this collection was perfectly suited for the holidays! Did you pick it up? Or will you consider Julep now that they've brought the skip back (YAY!)? You can get your first box free with the code '<a href="http://bit.ly/1yGtaUX">FREEBOX</a>' :)</div><br />xoBritt Douglashttps://plus.google.com/107122350167282740307noreply@blogger.com0